GB HG : #062, 1st Edition, 2001

This GB HG #062, 1st Edition 2001, comes from the very first Liner Lock series Strider made.

I have a huge attraction for the Strider History and their limited runs.

Especially those from the old days, even though that is still mostly late last, and early this Century.

Finding any of these is hard, finding one in a near mint condition, is even harder.

Like most ### runs this one also has only 101 pieces.

This is yet another true piece of Strider Knives history.

The edge only needed some light strokes on a DiaFold Ultra Fine and a strop to get scary sharp.

On the hollow grind the tiger stripes show a nice warm reddish color.

Stamps on the ricasso in the old typography.

Can't get any closer withy my cam.

I read on the USN that at the time the customer had the choose between BG42 and ATS34.

The BG42's show up from time to time, the ATS34 I never did see in any for sale add.

Old School pivot.

Almost full polished locking surface.

Thick stock liners with the small locking liner cut out. 

Compared to my other GB LL with the same cut out, this one is easy to handle.

As you can see this one still has the three screw pocket clip.

Dead centered blade when closed.

Duo photo with my Flat Grind GB LL. The diference in weight is significant. I still have to check.

AR : #093 TAD Edition, 2004

This was the very first generation AR TAD edition and one of the first AR editions over all.
Surfing the internet learned me these TAC AR's Block Oxide coating are pretty hard to find.
Back in 2004 both slotted and plain G10 scales variants were sold through Triple Aught Design.

These Old School AR's (and GB's) feature a three screw pocket clip while the later versions have the one screw clip.
Other differences are the small cut out in the locking liner and the Shield Mark i.c.w. Strider.

Of course the blade also features the TAD logo and stamped number #093. 

Another Old School aspect is the pivot showing "Strider Knives".

RC : Stone Washed & Tiger Striped

 

Zero Tollerance 0550 : Design by Rick Hinderer

My main reason to purchase this basic looking folding knife was my curiousity for the ergonomics and quality. I am usualy a 4" blade user, but in this knife I experience the same. My first impression is that both size as non-binding shape it is a very good alternative for a EDC knife for a rather low MRSP.

In general the fit & finish of the 0550 is of a high standard. Not only the blade has a good, factory sharp and equal on both sides edge, but also the lock up is, non-slippy, non-sticky and solid. Just a drop of oil and a few days of use, opening and closing made the blade run with smooth action.

De G10 scale does not appeal visualy to me, but I am impressed by the 2d machined execution. It provides a lot more grip then the usual standard G10 versions.

The two sides of the handle are kept together by three stand-offs and the pivot. Naturaly this Hinderer designs comes with a lock bar stabilizer. To take the knife down, you need a simple Torx 10 for the stand-offs, a Torx 8 for the pivot and a Torx 6 for the disk and pocket clip bolts.

In closed position the blade is perfectly centered with a nice detent.

Specifications:
• Steel Grade: CPM S35VN
• Blade Finish: Stonewashed
• Handle: Textured G-10 / Titanium
• Titanium Finish: Beadblast
• Blade Length: 3 1/2 in. (8.8 cm)
• Closed Length: 4.625 in. (11.75 cm)
• Overall Length: 8.125 in. (20.6 cm)
• Weight: 5.8 oz. ( 164,5 gr)


Some extra detail pictures;

The tumb studs make contact on both sides of the handle.

Oversized lanyard hole to attach the lanyard very easy.

Grip on the down side of the handle.

Non-agressive thumb ramp.

Perfect, not to early, not to late lock-up.

Stabilizer disk.

The well known engraved ZT monogram on the clip.

Hinderer XM-24 : Spanto

After I first had the 3 inch Hinderer XM-18, I tried the 3.5 inch flipper version. Since I fancy large folders that much, I had to pick up a XM-24 to satisfy my curiosity. Shortly after the flipper came in I purchased a non-flipper to find out what I like the best.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 4" / 100 mm
Handle Length: 5.625" / 130 mm
Overall Length: 9.125" / 230 mm
Blade Thickness: .185" / 4,75 mm
Lockside Thickness: .185" / 4,75 mm
Liner Thickness: .150" / 1,27 mm
Overall Handle Thickness: .590" / 15 mm
Weight: 7.8oz / 221 gram
Blade Steel: CPM-S35VN
HRC: 60-61